Ann Marie Allen Speir

SPEIR, ANN MARIE ALLEN (1918 ~ 2004). The following is a biography for Ann Marie Allen Speir, spouse of former Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Wilson E. Speir. The biography was provided by the Speir family and supplemented with information from her obituary.

"Ann Marie Allen Speir, wife of Wilson E. 'Pat' Speir, former Colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety, was born May 5, 1918, in Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas, to John T. and Iva Lee (Smith) Allen. While attending Gilmer High School, she met her future husband, Pat. They were later married in 1941, and became the parents of three sons, Larry, Elwyn, and John.

Ann Marie loved her family dearly. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A strong helpmate to her husband, she enjoyed entertaining friends in their home. Her family was not only her first priority and delight, but she was an ongoing source of inspiration to them.

Actively involved in church activities in every place they lived, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Austin and of the Arleen Mangum Sunday School Class. Involved in community affairs, she was a member of the Austin Heritage Society, State Officials Ladies Club, Austin Woman's Club, Austin Ro-Anns, and was a Rotary 'Paul Harris Fellow.'

Ann Marie Allen Speir passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2004, and was buried next to her husband of 61 years in the Texas State Cemetery four days later. She was survived by her three sons, Dr. Larry Speir, Dr. Elwyn Speir and Major (retired) John Speir and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ann Marie will be remembered by her family and many friends for her love, ready smile, and her untiring efforts to enrich the lives of others."

Information provided by Colonel and Mrs. Wilson E. "Pat" Speir and her obituary from the Sunday, August 29, 2004, Austin American-Statesman.